Though Kris Dunn hasn’t developed into the difference-making guard the Bulls hoped for, his value as a niche defender continues to grow as the Bulls struggle in his absence — an interesting development with Dunn a restricted free agent after this season.
The Bulls had held opponents below their scoring average in six consecutive games prior to Dunn suffering a sprained knee against the Nets on Jan. 31 in Brooklyn. Since then, 12 consecutive teams have matched or exceeded their scoring average against the Bulls heading into Monday night’s game against the Mavericks.
The Bulls have dropped from ninth to 15th in defensive efficiency ratings with Dunn out.